TRIPLE COUNTRY TOUR

Main Sites visited: Athens – Mykonos – Santorini – Istanbul – Cappadocia – Ephesus – Pamukkale – Cairo – Nile Cruise – Aswan – Luxor – Abu Simbel
Kindly note that one of our agents will be getting back to you with the pricing of your request. We offer exact prices with your preferences.

DAY 1: Arrival to Athens – Transfer to Hotel

HELLO! Arrival in Athens Airport, we will meet you at the airport just outside the arrival’s gate with a sign bearing your name then we will transfer you to your hotel in Athens! Overnight in Athens.

DAY 2: Half Day Athens City Tour

Syntagma Square, Acropolis

Begin with a panoramic drive of the city visiting the Panathenaic Stadium (modern Olympic Games), the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Evzones in their colourful uniforms, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma) Continue with a guided tour of the Acropolis, the Propylea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. Then proceed to the New Acropolis museum for a guided visit.

After the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Athens

DAY 3: Ferry to Mykonos

After check out will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Piraeus port for your ferry ride to Mykonos. Upon arrival Mykonos we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight on Mykonos

DAY 4: Free Day in Mykonos

Have this leisure day to discover Mykonos. Overnight on Mykonos

Delos Island, the Temple of Dionysus

Delos is a small Island situated in the centre of the Cyclades, a few miles southwest of Mykonos. And one of the most important archaeological Sites of Hellas Delos is the birth place of Apollo, the god of light, and Artemis, the goddess of hunting (both children of Lito and Zeus) and the brightest place on the universe.

The excavations of Delos started in 1873 and are still carried today out by the French School of Archaeology. Lion’s, Houses, The Temple of Dionysus, the theatre are some of the places that you have top visit during your Visit at Delos Island. In 1990 Delos was included in the World’s Cultural Heritage, protected by the UNESCO.

Before you leave the island you can rest at the coffee shop and enjoy a drink with the unique view and to feel the energy of the Delos. Overnight on Mykonos

DAY 5: Ferry to Santorini

Have this day free at leisure to discover this island of unique beauty, famous worldwide as one of the most romantic destinations. Walk around the picturesque Fira Town and the famous Oia, visit the Volcano and Akrotiri excavations and swim in one of the volcanic beaches. Optional choice to explore the island of Santorini with one of the plenty tours provided.

Optional CALDERA & OIA SUNSET with KING THIRA Boat Tours

Starting by bus from the pick-up point we arrive at the port of Athinios where we board the boat King Thiras. Our first stop will be the Volcanic Island of Nea Kameni where we walk up the ascending soil path and approach the crater of the still active Volcano to reach the crater. After reaching the crater you walk down the dirt path to the boat to continue our journey to the Island of Palea Kameni where the boat will stop around 50 meters from the opening and you can swim in the green sulphur waters of the hot springs, wet your feet or just enjoy the view. The journey continues after the hot springs to Thirassia Island which was once part of Santorini before the big Explosion of the Volcano. There you will stay for two hours and you will have the opportunity to do some activities like swimming on the beach of Thirassia, have lunch next to the Sea or just explore the Village of Manolas with its winding steps and traditional houses.  King Thiras brings us then to the port of Oia underneath Oia Village where you will walk up the steps to reach Village in order to enjoy one of the most amazing sunsets in the world. The tour ends 30 minutes after the sunset when you will gather at the pickup point in Oia where the bus will be waiting to bring you back to the point where you started from. Overnight on Santorini

DAY 6: Free Day on Santorini

Have this day free at leisure to discover this island of unique beauty, famous worldwide as one of the most romantic destinations. Walk around the picturesque Fira Town and the famous Oia, visit the Volcano and Akrotiri excavations and swim in one of the volcanic beaches. Optional choice to explore the island of Santorini with one of the plenty tours provided.

Optional CALDERA & OIA SUNSET with KING THIRA Boat Tours

Starting by bus from the pick-up point we arrive at the port of Athinios where we board the boat King Thiras. Our first stop will be the Volcanic Island of Nea Kameni where we walk up the ascending soil path and approach the crater of the still active Volcano to reach the crater. After reaching the crater you walk down the dirt path to the boat to continue our journey to the Island of Palea Kameni where the boat will stop around 50 meters from the opening and you can swim in the green sulphur waters of the hot springs, wet your feet or just enjoy the view. The journey continues after the hot springs to Thirassia Island which was once part of Santorini before the big Explosion of the Volcano. There you will stay for two hours and you will have the opportunity to do some activities like swimming on the beach of Thirassia, have lunch next to the Sea or just explore the Village of Manolas with its winding steps and traditional houses.  King Thiras brings us then to the port of Oia underneath Oia Village where you will walk up the steps to reach Village in order to enjoy one of the most amazing sunsets in the world. The tour ends 30 minutes after the sunset when you will gather at the pickup point in Oia where the bus will be waiting to bring you back to the point where you started from. Overnight on Santorini

DAY 7: Flight to Athens &Flight to Istanbul

After check out will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Santorini airport for your flight to Athens, upon arrival to Athens airport continue to international terminal and flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival to Istanbul airport we will meet and transfer you to your hotel.  Overnight in Athens.

DAY 8: Istanbul Old City Walking Tour

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar

Breakfast at the hotel. After you meet with your guide at the lobby, you will begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. Next, we visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.

In the afternoon we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many of which were gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. 

DAY 9: Half Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour

Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise

We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar*, one of Istanbul’s most colorful, bustling attractions. Next, we travel the Golden Horn on our way to an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.

After the tour we will transfer you to Istanbul airport for your flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival in Cappadocia we will meet and transfer you to your hotel.  Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 10: Cappadocia North tour

Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Avanos

First, we visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going to the hotels.

After the tour we will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 11: Cappadocia South Tour

Optional Sunrise Balloon Tour: Flying in a hot air balloon is an amazing and unforgettable experience which you will never forget.  Very early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to our balloon site. You will be welcomed with a light breakfast while you are registering for your flight. After meeting at the balloon site, you will be watching how we prepare our balloons for your adventure. After getting on the air, you will be seeing beautiful sunrise upon Cappadocia. You will be thrilled with the scale of colors and shapes. We will be ascending up to 3000 feet and then almost you will be able touch fairy chimneys. After landing we will celebrate our flight with champagne toast (or soft drink) and your pilot will be presenting your flight certificates. After deflation balloons you will be transported to your launch site and continue to your day.  

After breakfast we will check out and depart for our tour visiting Cappadocia’s Southern region.

Kaymakli Underground City, Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Ortahisar Castle

First, we visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back, visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery.

DAY 12: Flight to Izmir – Ephesus Tour

Very early in the morning we will meet at your hotel lobby and transfer you to Cappadocia airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival in Izmir we will meet and departs you an Ephesus tour.

Ephesus Ancient City, Temple of Artemis, Virgin Mary’s House

First, we will visit Ephesus ruins starting from the upper gate and see famous Celsus Library, Hadrian Temple and Ephesus Antic Theatre which has a capacity of 25000. Next, we will stop by at Temple of Artemis once was a one of the seven wonders at ancient times. Then we will head to Virgin Mary’s House where she spent her last years.

Overnight in Kuşadası. 

DAY 13: Pamukkale TourDAY 13: Pamukkale Tour

Tip: Cleopatra Pool visit is optional with additional cost. Don’t forget to have your towels and swimsuits with you. 
Upon arrival in Denizli and meeting at the airport just outside the arrival’s gate with a sign bearing your name then departs you to Pamukkale tour. Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder, called the “Cotton Castle”. This name is truly fitting; the brilliant white calcified terraces do truly resemble a castle made of cotton. We will also spend time in Hierapolis, with one of the largest and most diverse necropolises in the world.

After the tour we will transfer you to your hotel.  Overnight in Kuşadası.

DAY 14: Flight to Cairo

After check out from your hotel we will transfer you to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival to Istanbul airport continue to international terminal and Fly to Cairo. Upon arrival to Cairo airport we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo

DAY 15: Cairo then to Luxor

Transfer to Cairo airport flying to Luxor, arrive Luxor then meet and assist by our rep. then your guide will take you on a tour to visit the Temple of Luxor dedicated to the god Amun which is also known for its pillars that take the form of a bundle of Papyrus. Then proceed to the Temple of Karnak, built over more than a  thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. Return back to the cruise. Overnight onboard Nile Cruise.

DAY 17: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

Sail to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, the largest and most complete preserved Pharaonic Temple that combines Pharaonic & Greek architectures. Return to Cruise and sail for Kom Ombo where you visit the Temple of Sobek & Haroeris. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. Overnight onboard Nile Cruise.  

DAY 18: High Dam, Philae Temple in Aswan:

Sail for Aswan where on arrival you visit the High Dam which was an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s. Then move to Philae Temple which was dedicated to goddess Isis. It is now reassembled on Agilika Island about 500km from its former site at Philae Island. Afternoon take a Felucca Ride to view Elephantine Island that contains relics of stone temples of various eras. Overnight onboard Nile Cruise.

DAY 19: Aswan Tour

We will meet and transfer you to Aswan airport for flight to Abu Simbel.

Arrival to Abu Simbel and meet the tour guide and visit Abu Simbel Visit the two temples, first built by Ramses II and the second for his wife Queen Nefertari.) and transfer back to airport. After the tour flight to Aswan for your flight to Cairo. Arrival to Aswan, then flight to Cairo. Arrival to Cairo, Meet and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cairo

DAY 20: (Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum)

Meet in hotel lobby with the tour guide to begin the sightseeing excursion with a visit to the Pyramids area, visit the Three Pyramids built for Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren & Mycerinus on the Giza Plateau and the mysterious Sphinx then visiting the Egyptian Museum, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (if opens) , The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization . Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 21: Transfer to Airport

Breakfast, check-out from hotel and transfer to Cairo airport as per your flight departure time.

INCLUDING

• Accommodation
• All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
• Private English-speaking guide for your requested sightseeing.
• All transfers throughout the programs in modern A/C coach.
• Domestic flight tickets.
• International flight tickets.

EXLUDING

• Entry Visa.
• Beverages on meals
• Entrance inside one of the three pyramids
• Entrance inside the mummies room at Egyptian Museum
• Any personal expenses not mentioned above.